Geisinger, PA DOH summit examines critical issues facing rural healthcare

DANVILLE - More than 100 healthcare professionals, elected officials and community leaders gathered in Danville on Oct. 24 to address urgent challenges facing rural healthcare.

The Susquehanna Valley Regional Rural Health Summit, hosted by Geisinger College of Health Sciences and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, assembled local leaders to address persistent health concerns-particularly elevated rates of obesity, smoking, and suicide-that impact life expectancy and well-being in many area communities.

Discussions centered on a holistic approach to health that includes workforce development, mobile care delivery, behavioral health, transportation access, nutrition, health literacy, civic engagement and community infrastructures. "You can't expect wellness where the conditions for wellness do not exist," said George Garrow, CEO of the Primary Health Network.

Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Debra Bogen emphasized the importance of data-driven solutions and highlighted disparities-even among neighboring counties-that illustrate the need for locally tailored interventions.

One pressing issue raised was the shortage of healthcare professionals serving rural communities. While Geisinger's medical center in Danville serves as a regional anchor, surrounding communities face critical gaps in primary care, psychiatry and maternity services. The College's Abigail Geisinger Scholars program was launched to address that issue. Summit participants explored strategies to build a sustainable workforce pipeline, including rapid-entry pathways and career ladders for local youth.

Behavioral health, healthy aging, and maternal care were also key topics, with attendees contributing ideas aligned with the Pennsylvania Rural Health Association's newly published 2025-2030 Rural Health Plan.

About Geisinger College of Health Sciences
Educating. Inspiring. Leading. At Geisinger College of Health Sciences, we bring innovation and purpose together to educate the next generation of healthcare leaders. As the academic and research arm of the Geisinger family, our college was founded to enhance and improve community health, with a focus on discovery, hands-on learning and applied practice across our system. Today, we offer a research institute, graduate medical education, schools of medicine, graduate education and nursing, and faculty and professional development programs. Visit geisinger.edu/gchs.

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